A FIRE at Lansdowne Road last night has forced the temporary closure of the North Terrace, denying many ticket-holding fans access to today's clash between Ireland and New Zealand.

The North Terrace will remain closed until a full safety inspection has been carried out with the Irish Rugby Football Union warning the necessary checks will not be completed until after the All Blacks encounter.

The fire, which an IRFU statement describes as small, began beneath the North Terrace and was restricted to a confined area. The North goal-line has not been affected by the incident.